Dr. Jim Caridi

James (Jim) Caridi, M.D., of New Orleans, LA, passed from this life on November 23, 2021 at the age of 68, after fighting a valiant 10 year battle with cancer. 

He was born September 4,1953, in Hollywood, Florida, and raised on Long Island, NY. He attended St. John’s University in New York and then earned his B.S. degree in Biology at Florida State University Program of Medical Sciences. Jim attained his Medical Degree in 1979 at the University of Florida (UF).    

His postgraduate training included an internship in the Department of Pediatrics at UF. After completing his internship, Jim returned to New York and trained as a Resident in Radiology at North Shore University.  After completing residency, Jim returned to the University of Florida for a Fellowship in Vascular and Interventional Radiology from 1983-1984.    

His academic honors included Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and graduating Magna cum Laude.   Jim went into private practice in Leesburg, Florida, with Radiology Associates of Lake County.  Here his service was not only as a talented Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, but included Chief of Staff and Director of the Board of Trustees for Leesburg Regional Medical Center.    

After 10 years, Jim returned to the University of Florida in 1994 to work with Dr. Irvin (Dick) Hawkins, his lifelong friend, teacher and mentor, as Faculty in the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR). In 1996, Jim was appointed as Chief of the Division of Interventional Radiology, as well as serving as Director of the Fellowship Program, where he enthusiastically and admirably performed the duties of those leadership positions until 2012.    

During his 16-year tenure as VIR chief, Jim continued the legacy of innovation and creativity established by Dr. Hawkins, particularly in the continued development and study of CO2, where he became world renowned as the expert in this field. Jim and his expertise were always in demand whether it was consulting or lecturing world wide in the use of CO2 and utilization in VIR.    

His accolades include Professor of Radiology and joint appointments as Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics. While at UF, Jim’s accomplishments included 67 peer-reviewed publications and six book chapters. Jim was also the recipient of 12 distinguished teaching awards.    He was Editorial Journal Reviewer for national publications including Chest, JVIR, AJR, and CVIR since the year 2000.    

Two highlights of Jim’s professional and personal life were sabbaticals he had the privilege of partaking in: one at the University of Pisa in 2008, and one at the Hospital for European Interventional Oncology in Milan in 2009. There, his lifelong love of everything Italian, and pride in his heritage, blossomed. During this time, Jim formed significant meaningful friendships with colleagues and had the opportunity to meet members of his family for the first time. This period imprinted his heart in ways that would last the rest of his life.    

Jim honored his mother and his love for all things Italian by authoring the book, “Yo Capeesh! A Guide to understanding Italian Americans”.  In true Jim fashion, the book is dedicated to “Ma Famiglia, both biologic and chosen.”   Jim’s zest for life was made for New Orleans, the place he would come to think of and make home.  After joining the faculty at Tulane College of Medicine in 2013 as Professor of Interventional Radiology, Jim was later appointed as the Department Chair of Radiology.  He wholeheartedly served in this capacity until his death. Jim was voted a top physician in New Orleans and Louisiana consistently from 2016-2019.    

Jim lived by example. He loved people and he loved life. No matter where he was professionally, many of those in his work life became dear friends and considered family. He loved spending time together with his friends and family, traveling, snowboarding, and especially playing bocce together with his son, Nicco.   

Jim believed that “laughter is essential for our physical and mental well-being” and “anyone with the ability to laugh at him or herself, will be guaranteed a limitless supply of humor.” His larger-than-life personality in his professional and personal worlds, manifested itself through a love of costuming and his adoration of holidays, in particular Mardi Gras and Christmas.    Jim cherished times together with friends as a member of Krewe of Bacchus, Krewe of Pontchartrain, and The Italian American St. Joseph Society of New Orleans. In 2009, Jim was crowned King Pontchartrain XXXIV. Always an active Officer and float Lieutenant in the Krewe, many Krewe of Pontchartrain members became Jim’s close, extended family.    

He exhibited profound resiliency and endurance as he fought Multiple Myeloma. Jim continued to work and took care of many others during this time, providing comfort and insight to other cancer patients and their families. The time he spent with patients and his bedside manner were like no other.    

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Theresa M. Caridi, and Joseph V. Caridi. He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Rhonda Caridi, New Orleans, LA, along with his children, Joseph Vincent Caridi, Gainesville, FL; Theresa Caridi, M.D. (Reggie Washington), Birmingham, AL; James Caridi (Kelsey Caridi), Gainesville, FL;  Angela Clark (Justin Clark), (Alachua, FL); and Nicco Caridi, New Orleans, LA. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Caridi, Blooming Grove, PA; Robert Caridi, Bellmore, NY; and Joseph Caridi, Syosset, NY.    In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dr. James Caridi Endowed Fund in the Tulane Department of Radiology. Donations can be sent to:  Tulane Office of Advancement, Attn: Michael Johnson, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1000, New Orleans, LA  70112.  Or, feel free to contact Michael Johnson directly at 504-314-7282 or  email: fjohnso4@tulane.edu.    To remember and honor Jim, a Celebration of Life will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Grand Oaks Mansion at Mardi Gras World,  1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA.  Please forward any pictures you wish to share for the service, to:   geauxsaints1313@gmail.com.   

The following are links to recommended hotels near the venue, and not far from the French Quarter. Please use Google to access the links.   https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/msyrvqq-djcci-281014da-1a52-468b-8105-713e9e286367/   https://book.passkey.com/go/JamesCaridiCelebrationofLife   **PROVIDED TO ANGIOADVANCEMENTS 01/03/2022, and republished with permissions.   This was posted on our website in honor and respect of Dr. Jim who served outstandingly as our Medical Director for many years.    AngioAdvancements joins his family, his friends, his patients, and the entire medical community, in the mourning of his passing and in the celebration of the blessing he was to those around him. Rest in Peace, Jim.  You were deeply loved by many.